Like many modern masters of the 19th Century, Cézanne benefited from Vollard's reputation and influence as an avant-garde and anti-establishment art dealer.

For this portrait, Vollard was made to sit completely still in silence for hours (from roughly 8 a.m. till as late as 11:30 p.m.) over the course of 115 sessions,[4] by balancing on a stool on top of a platform.

[7] The portrait depicts Vollard in a seated pose, with one leg crossed over the other, one hand placed on a book laid in his lap and the other in his pocket.

The subject wears a brown suit and bow tie and displays a blank stare that has been attributed to exhaustion from sitting for too many long hours.

[8] Vollard is depicted seated in Cézanne's studio and is partly illuminated by the window on the left of the painting.

[9] Vollard's portrait was created using bright patches of colour to highlight his face and large forehead, in stark contrast to his black eyes, which have been described as having an inhuman and alienated quality.

Cézanne explained that, "If the copy I'm making at the Louvre turns out well, perhaps I will be able tomorrow to find the exact tone to cover up those spots.

Picasso stated, "the most beautiful woman who ever lived never had her portrait painted, drawn, or engraved any oftener than Vollard".